I got my cat a 2 years old tortishell from the humane socioty 2 days ago. She is a bit overweight and she came from an abused home. Today we noticed that her eyes are leaky that she is sneezing contantly and that it seems like she has trouble breathing. The vet is closed right now in my area I am very worried for this poor cat who has been through so much in her short life. I also have a kitty that is 6 months old I don't know if this has any relevance but thought I would add just incase. The 6 month old doesn't have any of the same symptoms. Can someone help me as I am scared for my 2 year old cat. She is my baby
2006-09-11 10:49:37 · 41 answers · asked by mrs_care_graham 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Veterinarys work on call just like doctors do. Call the vet's office and see if your vet's emergency contact info is available. If not search on a local directory for an emergency animal clinic (yahoo local probably works best). Also the clinic you got the cat from may have trained personal that can help your cat or tell you if the sypmtoms previously occured. Untill you get help lined up keep your cat close, either holding it or at least keeping her in sight. It is very likely a common cold but dont hestitate to call your vet and ask him if its anything serious.
g'luck
2006-09-11 10:56:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Definitely call the shelter and tell them what is going on. They really should advise you as to what to do. Most shelters have a vet who can be consulted about this at least over the phone and there is usually someone on duty during the night to take emergency calls.
Cats in shelters are very prone to pick up respiratory infections (viral) because of the close quarters and the stress of being abandoned by owners or lost, etc.
Breathing troubles are of course serious and you must judge how much distress she is in. If she is really struggling for breath then it is an emergency and you must get her help immediately.
Usually sneezing clears the nostrils so that breathing is easier so she may be taking care of herself in this way.
I would separate her from your younger cat until you get a handle on her problem.
2006-09-11 11:56:21 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello , I am the overnight assistant at the local Vet in my area, it sounds like the cat may have an upper respiratory infection (in other words a cold) and like a cold this may need to work itself out right now what you can do is turn the hot water on in the bathroom let it steam up and take your cat in there with you for about 15 minutes , unless you have a humidifier this will work fine also this may help if kitty is congested, secondly DO NOT give any human over the counter medicines,unless directed by your vet, Lastly call your vet and get kitty in to be seen, sometimes there is a need for antibiotics + or - eye meds . unfortunately it is common for shelter animals to develop URI, good luck
2006-09-11 21:20:52 · answer #3 · answered by Fran R 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wash Your hands really good. Then You need to separate the Cats now. Just in Case. Put the kitten in another room. Then wash Your hands really good, as far away as possible. Change Your clothes, and put everything in the washer, and put Your shoes outside.
Go to www.animalhealthchannel.com and look up the symptoms You described.
You can also go to www.JustAnswer.com and set a fee like 10 dollars, more or less and ask a vet or vet tech about the concerns You have.
There are diseases, I just found out the hard way, that can not only harm one, but possibly infect the other.
God Bless and Best Wishes
2006-09-11 11:05:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear that. Although I'm far from being an expert on animals, I've been through a similar situation. I cannot stress the importance of getting this checked out, since one of the last things my cat went through before she died was oozing from her eyes. If you have the availability, go on the internet and find a vet that has 24 hr emergency services. I know in Southern California, they have a 24 hr one open in Fountain Valley, but don't know where you're from.
2006-09-11 10:59:23 · answer #5 · answered by Bob Smith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat's symptoms are exactly the same as my kitten's. I brought him home from the humane society with an upper respiratory infection. Apparently, these infections are quite common among pets coming from the HS. After bringing my kitten to the vet and administering antibiotics, he was fine. Don't worry, your cat will be fine also. Just make sure you get her to the vet as soon as they open. If you are really concerned, you can take her to one of those 24 hour emergency places but be prepared to shell out a chunk of cash.
2006-09-11 11:23:05 · answer #6 · answered by LB 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible she is alergic to something in your house. My kitty went through something similar when we moved. Like you, there was no emergency clinic nearby. So, at 3:00 a.m., I wound up sitting in the bathroom holding my kitty with the door closed running the hot water through the shower. If you make the bathroom a hot, steamy sauna, the steam can help open the airway. You should probably seek a vet ASAP, but the steam may help keep her airway open enough to last her unitl tomorrow when she can see a vet.
2006-09-11 11:03:40 · answer #7 · answered by nmtgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very common for cats from shelters to have a cold...runny eyes, sneezing, runny nose. One of my shelter cats (also a tortishell) sneezed and wheezed and had a runny nose for several days after we got her...now almost 7 years later, she is still happy and healthy.
If it really seems that she can't breathe well, call/go to the emergency vet in your town or call another vet immediately. It might be a good idea to keep your younger cat away from the new kitty until you can get to the vet. I hope everything is fine...Good luck!!
2006-09-11 10:56:03 · answer #8 · answered by just me 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Numerous feline illnesses have those symptoms. Is she gasping for breath or just sound like her nose is clogged. Sounds like FRV to me which means get her to the Vet as soon as possible, even if that means tomorrow morning. I know some areas don't have emergency clinics.
Keep her away from the other cat!!!!!!!!! Most illnesses are highly contagious. Use a different litterbox, food and water dishes and keep them separated. Wash hands before touching either of them. If one sat with you, shower and change. Please, it is important!
Try to get her to drink. Fluids are super important. Feed her as well but water is the key because she can dehydrate quickly!
If it is contagious, you will have to Clorox everything.
Please let us know how she is after her Vet visit.
Hope I helped and good luck!
2006-09-11 11:00:12 · answer #9 · answered by rolahey 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like an URI and since the new cat exposed your cat, both will need treatment. If you must wait for the vet to open, wipe her eyes frequently with a warm, damp, soft cloth to keep them as clean as possible. Do NOT give any OTC meds, she will need antibiotics from the vet (as will your kitty). Make an appointment ASAP.
2006-09-11 11:43:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋